Proton X70 – CKD trials kick off, production in 2nd half

Proton X70 – CKD trials kick off, production in 2nd half

Proton has announced that it has kicked off local assembly trials for the X70 SUV. The CKD version of the car is slated to be built at the national carmaker’s new RM1.2 billion assembly plant in Tanjung Malim in the second half of this year.

While the final trim, paint and assembly lines are still in the midst of being completed (which means that no actual production has been performed), the company said it has been able begin semi-automated test runs in order for its engineers and production workers to gain experience in assembling the car. This “test assembly” was alluded to in an interview with Proton chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar earlier this year.

“Proton aims to start the production of the X70 in Tanjung Malim in the second half of this year so we are working hard to ensure we hit the target. It will be a remarkable achievement as in less than two years since the signing of the agreement between DRB-Hicom and Geely, we have reached a significant milestone in our joint effort to return Proton to its position of prominence,” said Syed Faisal.

The car you see in this photo looks practically identical to the current fully-imported (CBU) version of the X70, and as such is not representative of the finalised CKD car. We’ve previously been told that we can expect some “surprises” when it comes to differences between CBU and CKD, so we’ll have to wait a bit longer for proper details of the latter.

The announcement was made during a visit by China’s minister of industry and information technology Miao Wei, accompanied by Zhejiang Geely Holding chairman Li Shufu and senior Proton executives.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Ahmadjr on Jun 12, 2019 at 5:43 pm

    Cheaper version will surely overkill the suv market

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 53 Thumb down 3
    • Operation Manager on Jun 12, 2019 at 6:04 pm

      Proton X70 – CKD 1.5Turbo the Game changer.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 46 Thumb down 10
      • Putu piring on Jun 12, 2019 at 6:20 pm

        You mean the game over since this is CKD?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 72
        • Lolwhut? on Jun 12, 2019 at 6:31 pm

          Yup. Game over to Aruz. Lololol

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 41 Thumb down 5
          • sales of X70 and Aruz expect to skyrocket.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 10
          • Mario and Bros on Jun 12, 2019 at 7:21 pm

            But Aruz Sales will not be higher. Only X70 sales will be higher as I mentioned earlier on my second post for details for X70 and Aruz

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
          • Karipap on Jun 12, 2019 at 7:46 pm

            Shaw is right! Both cars sales will skyrocket. Game changing Aruz will sell 50,000 units and X70 will sell 30,000 units only

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 16
        • Pakulupapito on Jun 12, 2019 at 8:38 pm

          Game over for hrv and crv…..no need to add chr to the list

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
    • Phaser on Jun 13, 2019 at 9:32 am

      What is Overkill The SUV Market? Can you overkill someone? If I stab somebody in the heart and they die instantly can I then stab him 3-4 more times and overkill him? If I stab him once and it doesn’t hit his heart but he dies 2 days later due to the wound did I underkill him?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 10
  • Mario and Bros on Jun 12, 2019 at 6:15 pm

    Habislah Perodua Aruz, soon Aruz sales will drop more because Aruz have less technology, less features, less safety features and underpowered than Proton X70. Where X70 have more technological features, more power, more safety features. So get ready Perodua cause Perodua Sales are more likely to drop. HAHAHAHA!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 58 Thumb down 13
    • Sambal udang on Jun 12, 2019 at 6:31 pm

      Hidden due to lowcomment rating. Click here to see.

      Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 36 Thumb down 141
    • Proton rebadge , berpisah tiada…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 42
    • Anonymous on Jun 13, 2019 at 1:35 pm

      It’s not a question of fuel consumption and power. They are both in a different class. Aruz is a budget oriented “SUV”, while X70 is more premium. X70 is not even competing against any Perodua.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
    • Avenger on Jun 13, 2019 at 4:37 pm

      Aruz may not be fuel guzzler on paper but due to underpower engine, owners will tekan minyak kaw-kaw hence guzzling fuel.
      OTOH, X70 may drink more petrol but because it isn’t underpowered, owners can drive more conservatively.
      In the end, both will end up using roughly same amount of fuel but only one of them had promised lower FC and didn’t match that statement.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • transformer on Jun 12, 2019 at 6:18 pm

    Proton X70 CKD – RM80k to RM105k
    Proton X50 CKD – RM60k to RM79k.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 59 Thumb down 3
    • Tun F on Jun 12, 2019 at 7:22 pm

      No such thing X50 from rm60k…. Expect it from RM70k n above

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • Pakulupapito on Jun 12, 2019 at 8:38 pm

      Rip competitors

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Mr. Octopus on Jun 13, 2019 at 9:17 am

      I bet that’s in everbodys wish list.

      Reality is CKD prices will not be that far from CBU prices in this case as the CBU units are enjoying ‘special’ exemptions already right now for a limited run.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • booyAA on Jun 13, 2019 at 9:56 am

      kasi kurang lagi itu amount baaaa….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Not Toyota Fan on Jun 13, 2019 at 11:29 am

      X70 CKD – zero or minimal reduction in pricing (extra goodies given)
      X50 CKD – 69K – 89K

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Mohd Ismail on Jun 12, 2019 at 6:19 pm

    Go for X70 Guys. Don’t go for Hyundai because Hyundai got lots of issues like engine fire risk and airbags and others got problem

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 49 Thumb down 11
    • And last time those people always say go for Korean cars very very good don’t go for Japanese so lousy. And yet the most sustainable and reliable cars in the world are Japan mali.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Abesla on Jun 12, 2019 at 6:22 pm

    Abesla Aruz! Now that CKD is soon to operate, deliveries won’t be limited to the 3,000 units per month shipping from Hangzhou anymore. Proton will unleashed the full flow of X70s into the market. Abesla Perodua!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 6
  • Mario and Bros on Jun 12, 2019 at 6:25 pm

    Surely, when Proton X70 CKD launch in Malaysia, Perodua Aruz Sales will drop definitely

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 5
    • jibbyv2.60 on Jun 12, 2019 at 7:22 pm

      Proton X70 CKD launch in Malaysia, CBU Proton X70 sekenhen RV will drop 40k definitely

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 6
    • Aikon on Jun 13, 2019 at 8:26 am

      Don’t see the need to compare with Perodua, Proton are steering away from that fight already and looking at the much bigger picture today than in past years where fighting Perodua was all that mattered. Today, they are working on rebuilding their reputation and the regional market. It won’t happen overnight though but from the steps taken so far, they seem to be on track. Aruz will still sell as it appeals to a certain community with specific needs and likewise, the target market for the X50 and X70 are pretty different from those who would buy an Aruz.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Rakyat Malaysia on Jun 12, 2019 at 6:30 pm

    Someone said that when Geely takes over, they will replace the local staff with China mari. What I see above, Proton still have majority workers are locals and even the management team are mostly locals. I counted only a dozen or so of those gathered are from Geely. Kudos to Geely for keeping faith with the current setup!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 44 Thumb down 4
    • tokmoh. on Jun 12, 2019 at 7:17 pm

      Some people refuse to accept reality. Their ego has blinded them to the point they cannot tell what is real and what only exists in their mind, delusional.

      They more often than not display racist, biased prejudice against Geely, and they seem fond of their skin colour. Foolish bastards that seek to get in the way of Geely Empire’s progress.

      They got their racial quotas all these years, and where did that bring them? Utter ruin. Now they have been shown the error of their way, a golden chance to redeem all past losses they have incurred, a chance that is so valuable that even if others beg, steal and plunder, they won’t get it! What did they do? Greed and lazyness made them refuse to earn their keep, instead demand special treatment, spitting on Geely’s kindness. Such rude, ungrateful behaviour, is absolutely unforgivable.

      Whoever out there that insults Geely, are the enemy of Geely. I have absolutely zero mercy on them, because they deserve none. Not. One. Bit!

      And to all the enemies of Geely, seek not to bar our way, for we shall win through… NO MATTER THE COST!

      ALL HAIL GEELY EMPIRE!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 40 Thumb down 32
      • Tun F on Jun 12, 2019 at 7:24 pm

        Oh come on dude… It’s Proton OK.. Geely one of shareholders

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
        • tokmoh. on Jun 13, 2019 at 5:10 pm

          And?

          It changes nothing that Proton is destined for greatness, unless some people disrupt Geely’s grand plan for them.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • dadih jagong on Jun 12, 2019 at 8:16 pm

        Them leaders still display racist, biased prejudice against Geely, and fond of own skin colour. Foolish bastards… divide and rule play.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
      • Dread it! Run from it! Destiny will arrive soon enough! This is the Endgame for bashers!

        Double fist bump bro! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
        • tokmoh. on Jun 13, 2019 at 5:13 pm

          Double fist bump!

          They can say whatever they want, the sales number won’t lie, the financial statements won’t lie.

          Eventually they will wallow in despair, their tears will flow endlessly. And I’m gonna enjoy it. Very, very much!

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • Anonymous on Jun 12, 2019 at 10:59 pm

        Well said. Thumbs up

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • Not important on Jun 13, 2019 at 1:16 am

        Wow such racist

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • tokmoh. on Jun 13, 2019 at 5:17 pm

          Believe me, even CNY ads wishes also can become racial, just because there is only one (insert race) in the ads, while the rest has (insert race).

          He wanted war, he will get it. He will regret crossing me so very much.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • rally_fan (Member) on Jun 13, 2019 at 11:34 am

      first they said geely will “chop-up” proton, close it and sell off everything, then they said will fire all malaysian staff and replace with china staff.. whats the next dumb statement they will make i wonder..? its like saying bmw will fire all the brits working in the Mini factory in the UK and replace them with germans..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
      • JOACHIM on Jun 13, 2019 at 4:40 pm

        Wait, that might come true with Brexit you know. Mini entire production might be moved to the Continent when that happens.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Alex Chew on Jun 12, 2019 at 8:34 pm

    Cheaper version will be good for consumers who can own competitively priced vehicles. But what I wonder is the free gift of two diecast X70 model offer to early bird buyers of Ptoton X70 that was not delivered? A call to the Pahang Proton Regional Manager & whatsapp was not given positive response.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Not Toyota Fan on Jun 13, 2019 at 4:30 pm

      All early bird free gift now dashcam + Coleman cooler box (same as RM99 online booking promo.) Die-cast cancel.

      I suspect delay due to supplier unable to supply or that this was Rashid Musa project and he is no longer in Edar.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • SK, Lim on Jun 13, 2019 at 5:24 pm

      Limited edition stocks. With over 12,000 new owners and 30,000 more waiting, all freebie stock gone liao.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on Jun 12, 2019 at 9:55 pm

    The CKD price won’t be a big diff to the CBU unit though so I’m not expecting a big price change. But I’m confident in Proton’s ability to do it since they’ve been rebadging vehicles for 3 decades now.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • P1, Geely, Mesidis, VolvoCar, Volvo Trucks, Lotus, L&C, Polestar, SMART > all

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • krsdy on Jun 12, 2019 at 11:05 pm

    So funny, it just rebadged China car then what so proud of??? why you guys did not buy Haval Chery whatever China car before???

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
    • Haval how many service centers and Proton how many? Is that too hard to figure out?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Oliver Wong on Jun 13, 2019 at 1:03 am

    Get rid of the sunroof for the CKD version! Really not necessary for malaysia!
    Then, reduce the price even more!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • pengayuhbasikal on Jun 13, 2019 at 9:56 am

    aruz still has advantage of their 2 extra seat …

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 8
    • suomynona on Jun 13, 2019 at 4:01 pm

      Hangatnya nak 2 extra seats. What you gonna do, orgy ah?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • SK, Lim on Jun 13, 2019 at 5:26 pm

      2 extra seats which is nigh unusable. Just like Porsche touting a 911 is a ‘family car’ because it has ‘4 seats’ which the rear is totally useless. Give me X70’s ADAS features any day of the time.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Gabiel on Jun 13, 2019 at 10:23 am

    Thank to those responsible to make the JV between Proton and Geely becoming a reality. We are now reaping the reward.
    Kudos to the previous government for the job well done.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Not Toyota Fan on Jun 13, 2019 at 11:49 am

    Most importantly, QAQC must be at par level with Geely (later at par with Volvo).

    This poor QAQC has plagued Proton from the those days and is one of the main reason why Msian don’t want to buy another Proton. Absolutely poor fit and finish, cheap low quality interior materials, the infamous power window problem ….

    This X70 CBU fit and finish is something that only seen in imported German assembled cars. The panel gaps are equal, the doors boot bonnet are equally aligned, the smooth opening of doors boot bonnet meaning hinge alignment and balancing, the paint quality (& thick layer of paint, though orange peel effect is present but it’s due to the newer water based paints used nowadays), the sunroof runs smoothly without any water leaks even in our torrential tropical thunderstorms, the leather seats are finished beautifully nary a stitching out of place, the electric seats switches and motor function smoothly without a hitch, heck, even the foot carpets are not those cheap thin material quality with poor edge stiching, this carpets have clips to hold them in place. Proton CKD has to emulate this CBU.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Pls also re-badge XC90/60. I will buy Proton again….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • ToyotaBye on Jun 13, 2019 at 3:57 pm

    CHR?? byee…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Jun 13, 2019 at 5:16 pm

    hopefully good price

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
 

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